Set PDF permissions in 4 steps
- 1
Open PDF Permissions
Go to PDF Permissions and add your file with Choose file or by dragging it in. The file must not already be encrypted.
- 2
Pick what readers may do
Under What readers may do, set Printing to Not allowed, Low resolution or Allowed, then tick or untick Allow copying text and images, Allow editing page content, Allow inserting, rotating and deleting pages, Allow comments and annotations and Allow filling in form fields.
- 3
Decide on an open password
By default anyone can open the file. Tick Also require a password to open the PDF if it should be private too. Leave Set my own owner password off to have a strong one generated, or tick it to type your own.
- 4
Apply and keep the owner password
Click Apply permissions. The report lists Permissions in the file as read back from the result. Copy the Generated owner password before you click Download PDF; it is shown only once.
What each permission controls
- Printing: Low resolution lets readers print only a degraded image of each page, with no crisp vector output. Details in how to restrict printing.
- Copying text and images: blocks select-and-copy and content extraction. See how to prevent copying.
- Editing page content and inserting, rotating and deleting pages: two separate switches for changing what is on a page versus reorganising pages. See how to prevent editing.
- Comments and annotations and filling in form fields: the PDF standard always allows form filling when comments are allowed, so the form switch only works once comments are off. See how to restrict comments.
Screen reader access cannot be switched off. Modern PDF encryption always allows text extraction for accessibility, and the tool says so under the controls.
What PDF permissions can and cannot do
Permissions are flags stored in the file's encryption dictionary. Acrobat, Preview, Chrome, Edge and other compliant readers read them and grey out the blocked actions. They are not enforced by the encryption itself. If a file opens without a password, its content is readable by anyone, and software that ignores the flags can print, copy or strip them. KissThePDF's own Remove PDF Password clears restrictions-only files without asking for anything.
So treat permissions as a clear statement of intent and a guard against casual misuse, not as protection for secrets. For confidential material, require an open password and share it only with the people who should read the file.
Pick the right permissions tool
This tool shows every switch at once, starting with everything allowed. The four focused tools run the same engine but open with one restriction already applied and the other switches folded under Other permissions:
- Printing Permissions starts with printing set to Not allowed.
- Copy Permissions starts with copying turned off.
- Editing Permissions starts with content editing and page changes turned off.
- Comment Permissions starts with comments and annotations turned off.
Changing permissions on a file later
The tool will not stack new permissions on an already encrypted PDF. Remove the current protection with Remove PDF Password (enter the open or owner password if the file asks for one), then apply the new set here.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the tool say "Everything is still allowed"?
With no open password and every switch on, the file would carry no protection at all. Restrict at least one action, or tick Also require a password to open the PDF.
Which encryption does PDF Permissions use?
AES-256 every time. To choose AES-128 for older readers, set the same restrictions in Encrypt PDF.
Do permissions work in every PDF viewer?
Mainstream viewers honor them. Some lightweight viewers and command-line tools ignore them, which is why they should not be your only safeguard.
What is the owner password for?
It is the key that lets you, or anyone you give it to, lift the restrictions in a full editor such as Acrobat. If you lose it, decrypt and re-apply instead.